The Fool and the Dancing Bear

Stearns is certainly imaginative. I love the bears, both the drawings of them and their personalities, in the two books I've read. As a child I would have read this amusing adventure over and over again. But ultimately it's probably too quiet & subtle for most people, especially nowadays - it could not easily be made into a movie both effective and faithful. 3.5 stars.

A gem! Stearns creates a delightful and original world, full of humor and heart-ache.